Main Characteristics of Monotremes
- There are only five species of monotremes: the platypus and four species of echidnas (one short-beaked echidna and three long-beaked echidnas).
- Monotremes are the only mammals that don't give birth to live young. They lay eggs.
- Monotremes means „single opening“ in Greek and refers to their unique anatomy. They have a single exit for both reproductive and excretory systems. It is called the cloaca. This is different from all other mammals that have separate openings.
- Monotremes are carnivores.
- Monotremes possess an electro-sense, allowing them to detect the electrical signals emitted by other living creatures using their snout, bill or beak.
- Monotremes have a noticeably low body temperature. It is 86-89 degrees Fahrenheit (30-32 degrees Celsius).
- Monotremes live in Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea.
Monotreme Family Tree